National Park & Preserve · CO

Things to do in Great Sand Dunes

The National Park Service lists 8 things to do at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. 7 have no extra fee, 8 need no reservation, and 8 allow pets. Each listing links to the full NPS page. Data is from the NPS snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.

Updated · NPS Data API

All (8) Front-Country Hiking (2)Backcountry Hiking (2)Auto Off-Roading (1)Stargazing (1)Surfing (1)Freshwater Swimming (1)
A white Jeep crosses a creek surrounded by gold aspen trees
Photo: NPS/Patrick Myers

4WD Medano Pass Primitive Road

Drive a a 4WD around the eastern edge of the dunes then over a forested mountain pass. Be prepared for soft sand, creek crossings, and rocky terrain.

1-3 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed

Auto Off-Roading

The Milky Way over a shallow stream flowing across sand at night
Photo: NPS/Patrick Myers

Experience the Night

Half the park is after dark! Night at Great Sand Dunes can include dunes exploration under a bright full moon, viewing thousands of stars on a clear moonless night, listening for owls along the foothills, or observing migrating amphibians on a wet night.

30-300 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed

Stargazing

Girl with backpack standing on dunes at sunset
Photo: NPS/Patrick Myers

Explore the Dunes

Explore the tallest dunes in North America! The centerpiece of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is the 30-square-mile (78-square-km) dunefield, featuring the tallest dunes in North America.

Year-round Pets allowed

Front-Country Hiking

Alpine tundra in foreground, part of the dunefield at right, and snow-capped Blanca Peak
Photo: NPS/Patrick Myers

Hike Medano Lake and Mount Herard

Take your 4WD vehicle around the dunes and up to Medano Pass, hike to a small alpine lake, then continue to the summit of 13,297 ft (4,053 m) Mount Herard for an aerial perspective on the entire dunefield!

8-12 Hours Summer, Fall Pets allowed

Backcountry Hiking

An alpine lake with conifer trees at the side, and rocky summit with snow
Photo: NPS/Kris Illenberger

Hike Sand Creek Lakes

Sand Creek Lakes are part of the alpine watershed of Great Sand Dunes National Preserve. A longer drive and hike is required to reach these lakes, but the mountain scenery is worth the effort. Check with a ranger for conditions before travel.

10-15 Hours Summer, Fall Pets allowed

Backcountry Hiking

Two girls speed down a dune on a specially designed sand sled.
Photo: NPS/Patrick Myers

Sandboarding and Sand Sledding

Sandboarding and sand sledding are the most popular activities on the dunes. Read the information on this page to have a positive, fun, and safe experience.

2-8 Hours Year-round Fee applies Pets allowed

Surfing

Visitors splashing, floating, and walking in a stream, with dunes and snow-capped mountain.
Photo: NPS/Patrick Myers

Splash in Medano Creek

Medano Creek is a popular seasonal stream enjoyed by all ages.

1-8 Hours Spring Pets allowed

Freshwater Swimming

Before you go

Check current alerts and closures, entrance fees and operating hours for Great Sand Dunes. Programs and tours can change with the season or be cancelled on short notice — confirm on the NPS page before you plan around one.

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